Women in Ministry

We are often told by well meaning male Pastors and elders of the church that women have no place in the ministry. And we are often told we have the spirit of Jezebel if we take upon us the mantel of a Pastor. But what does the word Minister really mean? I looked the word up..The word Minister is often used as a religious and or government title of authority. But according to the dictionary it also means: 'To attend to the wants and needs of others'. Therefore, every time a man or a women is in a position to help others, whether it is with in their own home, community or church they are operating in the ministry whether they realize it or not.


Man may place rules and regulations among the many religious denominations ,that say a woman should not be a minister ( Pastor) with in the church. But contrary to their misguided conception, women have always been ministers. The new testament is filled with women who minister to the needs of Jesus and Paul for example.


Beginning with Jesus Mother Mary , “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger... “ (Luke 2:6) “A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. “ (Luke 7:37-38” The women who ministered to Paul were highly recommended by him. There was Mary, “who bestowed much labour on us” (Rom. 16:6) ; and there was the Philippian woman, Lydia, who was the first European woman that offered hospitality to Paul (Act 6:14-15)


Jesus Himself proclaimed that in His Ministry ;”There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:2) The Lord has called both male and female to be apart of HIS MINISTRY! Or more to the point, to be the light that shines bright in a world filled with darkness. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. “( Matthew 5: 14-16)

Despite mans blindness to the reality of women in ministry , they continue to minister to the need of other, inside and out side of the church . There is the quiet ministry of prayer and of attention which they may give in the name of the Lord to all the members of their households, looking upon the smallest duty as done unto the Lord, and every self‐denial as borne for Him. “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” ( Mat.25:40) “Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in My Name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” A ministering woman brings God near to everyone with whom she comes in contact. Everyone is helped or reproved by her life; wherever she is she leaves her mark for the Lord.

Despite being called and anointed with gifts of the spirit , or becoming anointed as a pastor, we women still face rejection concerning our place within the ministry of the Lord, not because our words are not inspired by the Lord, but because we are women. It does hurt when our words are rejected simple because of our gender. No matter what excuse a man in ministry may use, for telling women that have no place in the ministry. The Lord does not give us as women that same gifts of ministry, so that we can sit on them.


Therefore, it is time that we rise up and say no more. We will fulfill our calling, and become an active part of the end time harvest. For we know that God has not changed his mind, Malachi 3:6; "For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not destroyed ( notice it says sons)." ; Hebrews 13:8 ; “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever! God will get the job done , step out in faith now,” 1Thessalonians 5:23-24 ; “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it.”